When people talk about influential figures in the British property and investment industry, the name Sol Zakay stands tall among the elite. Known for his sharp business instincts, disciplined investment strategies, and relentless pursuit of innovation, Sol Zakay has transformed the real estate landscape in the United Kingdom. As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Topland Group, Zakay has played a leading role in shaping one of the most successful privately owned property empires in the country. His career is an inspiring tale of determination, family collaboration, and financial genius.
Early Life and Background
Sol Zakay was born into a family that valued hard work, resilience, and business foresight. Though details about his early life remain private, it is well known that his entrepreneurial spirit developed at a young age. Alongside his brother, Eddie Zakay, he began exploring opportunities in real estate during the 1970s, when the UK property market was experiencing a period of expansion and transformation. The brothers shared a natural flair for identifying undervalued assets and converting them into highly profitable ventures.
From modest beginnings, their ambitions were clear: to build a business that could compete with the largest property companies in Europe. Over the years, this vision evolved into what would later become the Topland Group, one of Britain’s most prominent privately held investment organisations.
Founding of the Topland Group
In the early 1990s, Sol and Eddie Zakay founded the Topland Group, setting the foundation for what would soon grow into a real estate powerhouse. The company initially focused on commercial properties but later diversified into multiple sectors, including hotels, lending, and development projects.
What set Topland apart from competitors was its strategic approach to sale-and-leaseback transactions. This business model allowed companies to sell their properties to Topland, freeing up capital while continuing to occupy the premises through long-term leases. Sol Zakay quickly recognised the potential of this method, and his early ventures in this area would later define his reputation as a property pioneer.
The Rise Through Sale-and-Leaseback Deals
One of Sol Zakay’s most notable achievements came in 2001, when Topland executed a landmark deal with Marks & Spencer. The transaction involved a sale-and-leaseback of seventy-six stores worth approximately £348 million. It was described by many in the industry as “the deal of the decade”.
This transaction not only elevated Topland’s reputation but also demonstrated Zakay’s mastery of strategic financial planning. By acquiring assets with reliable tenants and long-term leases, Topland generated steady income while securing strong capital appreciation. Zakay repeated similar successes with other retail giants such as Tesco and the Spanish retailer Eroski. These deals positioned him as one of the most sophisticated investors in the real estate industry.
Expansion into Hospitality and Development
As the UK property market evolved, so did Topland’s ambitions. Under Sol Zakay’s leadership, the group expanded into the hospitality sector, acquiring several well-known hotel brands and properties. The acquisitions of the Menzies Hotels, Hallmark Hotels, and the Feathers Group strengthened Topland’s presence across the country.
Beyond hospitality, Zakay steered the company towards commercial and residential development projects. Notably, Topland played a key role in the redevelopment of 150 Aldersgate Street in London — a project that combined modern design, environmental sustainability, and commercial functionality. These ventures reflected Sol Zakay’s belief that real estate should not only be profitable but also enhance urban living and architectural quality.
Business Philosophy and Leadership Style
At the core of Sol Zakay’s business philosophy lies a strong emphasis on discipline, timing, and diversification. He believes in understanding market cycles deeply, acquiring assets at the right time, and holding them with patience until maximum value can be extracted. His leadership style has been described as strategic, data-driven, and grounded in real-world experience rather than speculation.
Despite managing billions of pounds in assets, Zakay maintains a low public profile. Those who have worked closely with him describe him as meticulous, sharp, and deeply committed to his company’s long-term success. He has repeatedly stated that the key to sustainability in property investment is not rapid expansion, but controlled growth backed by solid fundamentals.
The Topland Portfolio Today
Under Sol Zakay’s vision, Topland Group’s portfolio now spans commercial buildings, hotels, residential developments, and financial lending operations. The company is also active in renewable energy and alternative investments, reflecting Zakay’s forward-looking approach.
Topland’s lending division has emerged as a major player in property-backed finance, providing loans to other developers and investors. This diversification allows the company to balance risk while generating consistent returns. Through these strategies, Sol Zakay has ensured that Topland remains resilient even in volatile market conditions.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Beyond his business success, Sol Zakay is widely recognised for his philanthropic contributions. He has been closely involved with Jewish Care, a prominent charity supporting the Jewish community in London and the South East of England. Through fundraising events, business lunches, and personal donations, Zakay has demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility towards giving back to society.
His charitable efforts extend beyond faith-based causes. Topland has supported educational initiatives, community development projects, and healthcare programmes. For Zakay, wealth is not only a measure of financial success but also a tool for creating social value.
Recognition and Influence
Over the years, Sol Zakay has received numerous accolades and widespread recognition within the property industry. He regularly features on The Sunday Times Rich List, where he and his brother Eddie rank among the wealthiest individuals in the United Kingdom, with an estimated combined fortune exceeding three billion pounds.
Industry observers often regard Zakay as one of the pioneers who modernised property investment practices in the UK. His ability to anticipate market movements and his pioneering use of sale-and-leaseback deals have inspired a new generation of investors and entrepreneurs.
Family and Business Dynamics
The relationship between Sol and Eddie Zakay has been central to Topland’s growth. The brothers’ partnership, built on trust and shared ambition, allowed them to achieve extraordinary success over decades. However, like many family-run empires, challenges have occasionally surfaced.
Reports have recently highlighted a legal dispute between the two brothers involving corporate governance and ownership matters. Despite such issues, the Zakay name continues to command respect in the business world, and Topland remains a symbol of financial strength and strategic vision.
Future Vision and Legacy
As the property industry undergoes rapid transformation through technology and sustainability, Sol Zakay continues to adapt. He is known to embrace digitalisation in property management and lending operations, while also advocating for environmentally responsible development.
His long-term vision is not just about expanding Topland’s portfolio but ensuring that the company remains relevant for generations to come. Zakay believes that true legacy lies in creating a business that can outlive its founders — a philosophy that continues to guide his leadership decisions.
Lessons from Sol Zakay’s Success
There are several key lessons aspiring entrepreneurs and investors can learn from Sol Zakay’s journey:
- Think Long-Term: Real estate rewards those who have patience and strategy rather than those seeking quick profits.
- Diversify Wisely: By spreading risk across multiple sectors, Topland has remained resilient through economic downturns.
- Master Market Timing: Zakay’s success in sale-and-leaseback transactions shows the importance of buying and selling at the right time.
- Maintain Integrity: Even in a competitive industry, Zakay’s professional ethics and philanthropic work highlight the importance of values in leadership.
- Build for the Future: Investing in sustainable projects and technological advancement ensures long-term relevance.
Conclusion
Sol Zakay is more than a billionaire property investor — he is a visionary who redefined the way Britain views real estate investment. Through innovation, perseverance, and strategic insight, he has built an empire that continues to grow and evolve. His story serves as an example of how intelligence, timing, and discipline can transform an ambitious dream into a multibillion-pound reality.
Under his leadership, Topland Group stands as a testament to the power of long-term thinking and ethical entrepreneurship. Whether in the boardroom, the marketplace, or the community, Sol Zakay’s influence will continue to shape the future of property investment in the United Kingdom and beyond.
